Kigali business operators cash-in on Chrismas fever cash in on Christmas eve

Business operators in the City of Kigali had a field day yesterday as last-minute shoppers thronged different outlets in preparation for Christmas which will be celebrated tomorrow.Kigali’s main street popularly known as Quartier Commerciale in the Central Business District (CBD), was jammed with shoppers preparing for the day that marks the birth of Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013
A hawker sells Christmas trees in Kigali City. The New Times/ Timothy Kisambira.

Business operators in the City of Kigali had a field day yesterday as last-minute shoppers thronged different outlets in preparation for Christmas which will be celebrated tomorrow.Kigali’s main street popularly known as Quartier Commerciale in the Central Business District (CBD), was jammed with shoppers preparing for the day that marks the birth of Jesus Christ.Local markets and malls were as well jammed with shoppers who were making last-minute purchases in preparation for the big day.Jean Paul Nzayisenga, a vendor in Quartier Matheus, another major street in the CBD, said he had made a fortune in selling plastic Christmas trees."I borrowed some little money from a friend and invested in Christmas trees because I knew many people would shop them during the festive season. I have recovered the money I borrowed and I am now making profits,” said Nzayisenga as he served more clients.Nzayisenga’s Christmas trees range from Rwf4,000 to Rwf15,000 depending on the size.An excited Francis Nkubito stood at the Nakumatt store at Kigali City Tower with his bagfuls of groceries."I am enjoying this Christmas season. I am spending time shopping for my family,” said Nkubito as he entered his car.T-2000, one of Kigali’s oldest shopping mall, received an overwhelming number of clients, forcing the top managers to leave their offices and attend to customers."The clientele is overwhelming. The number of clients has been increasing since late November but the last three days have been extra-ordinary. It is the reason I have also come down to serve,” said Jean Claude Nizeyimana, the manager of T-2000.Kimironko, Kicukiro and Nyabugogo markets were equally packed beyond capacity as traders expressed excitement over the big number of clients.However, traders said although they are experiencing a high number of shoppers now, they expect the number to drop as January approaches.